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Hillydilly.com’s Top 20 Songs of 2012
year_end_lists
Posted by hillydilly


Here we are again with another year passed and 20 more songs to present to you as our choices for the best songs of 2012.


2012 was definitely a very hectic year that was full of so. much. music. So much that at points it became overwhelming but thankfully it’s just about over so we can start the process all over again!


Just like every year, the selections were made based on 3 main criteria:


1. Replay Value – how many times did you replay the song over and over?

2. Longevity – how long did the song last before you got sick of it?

3. Lyric Reciting – do you know all of the lyrics?


With these criteria in mind, below is Hillydilly.com’s top 20 songs of 2012. If we missed anything or we’re way off on some of our selections let us hear it in the comment box below.

PLAY ALL SONGS

  • Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-The-Heist-Album-Artwork

1. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

White Walls ft. ScHoolboy Q & Hollis

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have taken us all along for an incredible ride over the last 3 years.  All the momentum of sold out shows, stunning videos & hard work has led up to the release of this debut album.  Once you have become a fan of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis you get the sense that you are apart of their success.  It's this connected vibe that has amassed such a huge following and created such a great story that has been nothing short of remarkable.  By refusing to go the major label route, Mack, Ryan and their manager extraordinaire, Zach,  have taken the independent route to unparalleled success.
The success is destined to continue to grow beyond anyone's expectations with the release of their magnificent debut album, The Heist.  It's an album that layers itself with light humor, fearless truth & raw emotion.  It was never a matter of wondering of The Heist was going to live up to expectations, it was a matter of simply waiting for it to be released and those expectations to manifest.  For the avid fan, you will find the previously released tracks, "Make The Money", "Can't Hold Us" & "Wing$" on the album.  While all these songs might be old to some of us, the thing to keep in mind here is the first time listener who will have this album as their first taste of Mack & Ryan's music.  I mean damn, picture hearing all of this album for the first time....yeeesh.
The Heist still leaves the seasoned listener with new material that will continue to give this album more legs.  This is not your average album where you hear all the best songs before it's release, no sir.  The album starts off with the triumphant, "Ten Thousand Hours", that promenades through your speakers with larger than life synth melodies & percussion.  Mack idles along with author Malcom Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' and relays that into the background story of his rise to where he is today.  This song is home to one of those most profound lines on the album, as he raps:

"A life lived for art is never a life wasted" - Macklemore

Moving along the new material we find "White Walls" featuring TDE rapper ScHoolBoy Q and fellow Seattleite, Hollis on the chorus.  This tracks starts out propitiously with Mack rapping about his love for Cadillac's, but after the intro and when the chorus kicks in, this track becomes an insta-classic.  Mack follows up with wordplay on his verses that is going to destroy the floors of all the venue's he plays in across America.
When I spoke of fearless truth earlier I was speaking about "Starting Over".  This beautiful track features guitar work & vocals from Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses.  The profound thing about this song is how Macklemore admits that he had a relapse with his sobriety after a well documented 3 year span of being sober.  A thing held so closely to his chest is vividly displayed for all of us to dissect   It's very admirable and humanizing to hear Macklemore admit this to his fanbase in a song.  Apparently close friends were not even aware about this until the release of this album.
The other highlights round out with the Buffalo Madonna assisted "Thin Line" and the collaborative return with Evan Roman on "A Wake".  When it's all said and done, The Heist, will go down as an album that will have endless replay value, contain societal impact ("Same Love") and inspire change within the music industry.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have crafted a classic album and more importantly created a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

originally posted in:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist


“White Walls” starts off auspiciously with Mack rapping about his affection for Cadillac’s over a crescendoing beat. When the beat finally drops, Hollis soars in on the chorus and turns this track into a MONSTER. Mack follows up the epic chorus with double time raps over the thumping combination of richter scale bass and ass shaking percussion. “White Walls” is a instant classic and truly rings out to me as the best song in 2012.

  • oddisee-phwtwts

2. Oddisee

Ready To Rock

Oddisee's debut album has been many years in the making since we first heard him break into the scene in 2004 with the production on Kenn Starr's debut single, "If". After the initial introduction to Oddisee only on the production tip, he finally released his debut mixtape, Foot In The Door, in 2006 that showcased the duality of his skills on the mic and beat making.
From 2009-2011 Oddisee released impressive instrumental projects and a collaborative album with his group Diamond District — they all received critical acclaim. But now in 2012 the time has finally come for Oddisee to release his debut solo album, People Hear What They See.
Right from the get go, a wave of shivers took me over when the lead off track, "Ready To Rock", blasted into my ears.  This song personifies the absolute innate ability Oddisee has to create mind blowing beats. "Ready To Rock" is easily going to be one of the best tracks  of 2012.  Once you have listened to "Ready To Rock" 15 times and got over the initial shock of how good it is, you will be able to move on to the next song.  As you continue to move through "Do It All", "That Real" & "Let Go", it will begin to sink in that this album is going to have a great replay value.   Track 5 - "American Greed" continues to up the ante with a feverish synth lines, knocking drums, pulsating horns and raps on the greed we find in this world.  Oddisee raps:

"when George Bush took the oil from the soil, I was in front of the counter buying some milk, from the Arabs, in the land of honey, I order fries from Chinese surviving off of whats in the foil, gallon of gas, 2% it's the same price, so it seems to the villain goes the spoil"
The back half of the album rounds out with the great tracks, "Way In Way Out", "The Need Superficial" & "You Know Who You Are"
When it's all said and done it's not hard to "see" that People Hear What They See is going to be one of the best hip-hop releases this year.  The album drops on June 5th.  Pre-order
HERE.  Check the highlights below. Stream the entire album over at SPIN magazine HERE.
"Welcome to the newest edition of what you've been missing"

originally posted in:Oddisee - People Hear What They See


Whenever you hear a song for the first time that instantly gives you goosebumps, you know it’s going to stick with you. With “Ready To Rock” it’s impossible to not listen to this track and not get completely hype. This is one of those songs that you can never get sick of. The beat that Oddisee provides on “Ready To Rock” is beyond epic; it’s the equivalence of musical bliss and perfection. The second verse on this track is mind blowing — how he can rap that fast, make sense of it and keep the subject matter within the theme of the song is unbelievable. Oddisee is one of the best rappers is the world and “Ready To Rock” is the best example of this so far.

  • goodmad

3. Kendrick Lamar

Money Trees ft. Jay Rock

The world has not seen a rapper like Kendrick Lamar.....ever? The unique style that Kendrick possesses on the mic is so potent that it would be hard to say that he comes from this planet.  His rhyme patterns are immensely eloquent and his voice never falters when his speed picks up.  Whether Kendrick uses his raspy-aggressive vocals or Devin The Dude-esque cadence, the end result is show stopping and incredible. 2012 has really been Kendrick's year and with the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, there is no doubt that Kendrick will be topping charts with one of the years best albums.
good kid, m.A.A.d city is being seen as the "official" debut album but in actuality it's his sophomore album because last year he dropped his critically acclaimed debut, Section 80, on TDE.  The success of that album allowed Kendrick to reach the ears of Dr. Dre because eventually it led him signing to Interscope & Aftermath earlier this year.  Being under the tutelage of Dr. Dre has given this album a boost in anticipation because Dr. Dre just doesn't co-sign anybody.
Leading up the release of GKMC the TDE camp let loose the lead single "Swimming Pools (Drank)", the slapping Just Blaze produced track "Compton" ft. Dr. Dre & "The Recipe" which also features Dr. Dre.  The release of these singles has had everyone in hip-hop salivating for the release of this album for a good part of 2012. When everyone finally does get into this album it's safe to say that the level of impression is going to be high because there is much more to this album than a few good tracks.
When you dive into the album it's hard not to acknowledge the DJ Dahi produced cut, "Money Trees", as one of the best tracks off the album with its memorable phrases ("ya bish") and the contagious chorus:

"it go halle berry or hallelujah // pick your poison tell me what cha doin' // everybody gonna respect the shooter // but the one in front of the gun lives forever..."
The other album highlights round out with "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst", "good kid" & "m.A.A.d city".  GKMC features production from Tha Bizness, Sounwave, Hit-Boy, Tabu, DJ Dahi, Scoop DeVille, Pharrell, Terrace Martin, T-Minus, Like of Pac Div & Just Blaze.
One thing you will need to keep in mind about this album is accepting that you need to take your time with it.  This is not your disposable-art rap, this is your life soundtrack that lasts on your playlist for months on end. GKMC accentuates moods and enhances life.  Buying this album is a no-brainer so do what any music loving human would do and go buy this album right now. Listen to some highlights below if you need some more convincing.

originally posted in:Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city


When a song can change slang and culture from rap lyrics, you know that it’s much more than just another rap song. Besides “Ya Bish” being the most memorable part of this song on the surface, it’s the writing that really makes this song a huge standout. You will remember Kendrick’s chorus on this one for the rest of your life. It go Halle Berry or hallelujah… see it’s already in your head.


By the time “2020″ dropped we were all sold on Sol because by then “Stage Dive” was already released and we were all loving that. Then he dropped “2020″ a couple weeks before ‘Yours Truly’ and then from there on out it was a wrap. Led by the super clean production of Neema Skeemz, “2020″ is Sol’s masterpiece. Chances are pretty good you can rap this song word for word. Sol’s writing on “2020″ is memorable, admirable and resonates on you as the true reflection of a man who was destined to write rap songs. Life is what you make it, you can give it you can take it, or you can waste it chasing bitches or listening to what I’m saying…

  • Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-The-Heist-Album-Artwork

5. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Ten Thousand Hours

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have taken us all along for an incredible ride over the last 3 years.  All the momentum of sold out shows, stunning videos & hard work has led up to the release of this debut album.  Once you have become a fan of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis you get the sense that you are apart of their success.  It's this connected vibe that has amassed such a huge following and created such a great story that has been nothing short of remarkable.  By refusing to go the major label route, Mack, Ryan and their manager extraordinaire, Zach,  have taken the independent route to unparalleled success.
The success is destined to continue to grow beyond anyone's expectations with the release of their magnificent debut album, The Heist.  It's an album that layers itself with light humor, fearless truth & raw emotion.  It was never a matter of wondering of The Heist was going to live up to expectations, it was a matter of simply waiting for it to be released and those expectations to manifest.  For the avid fan, you will find the previously released tracks, "Make The Money", "Can't Hold Us" & "Wing$" on the album.  While all these songs might be old to some of us, the thing to keep in mind here is the first time listener who will have this album as their first taste of Mack & Ryan's music.  I mean damn, picture hearing all of this album for the first time....yeeesh.
The Heist still leaves the seasoned listener with new material that will continue to give this album more legs.  This is not your average album where you hear all the best songs before it's release, no sir.  The album starts off with the triumphant, "Ten Thousand Hours", that promenades through your speakers with larger than life synth melodies & percussion.  Mack idles along with author Malcom Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' and relays that into the background story of his rise to where he is today.  This song is home to one of those most profound lines on the album, as he raps:

"A life lived for art is never a life wasted" - Macklemore

Moving along the new material we find "White Walls" featuring TDE rapper ScHoolBoy Q and fellow Seattleite, Hollis on the chorus.  This tracks starts out propitiously with Mack rapping about his love for Cadillac's, but after the intro and when the chorus kicks in, this track becomes an insta-classic.  Mack follows up with wordplay on his verses that is going to destroy the floors of all the venue's he plays in across America.
When I spoke of fearless truth earlier I was speaking about "Starting Over".  This beautiful track features guitar work & vocals from Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses.  The profound thing about this song is how Macklemore admits that he had a relapse with his sobriety after a well documented 3 year span of being sober.  A thing held so closely to his chest is vividly displayed for all of us to dissect   It's very admirable and humanizing to hear Macklemore admit this to his fanbase in a song.  Apparently close friends were not even aware about this until the release of this album.
The other highlights round out with the Buffalo Madonna assisted "Thin Line" and the collaborative return with Evan Roman on "A Wake".  When it's all said and done, The Heist, will go down as an album that will have endless replay value, contain societal impact ("Same Love") and inspire change within the music industry.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have crafted a classic album and more importantly created a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

originally posted in:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist


“Ten Thousand Hours” is a celebration. I have been listening to Macklemore for a long time (no that doesn’t make me special) and have been lucky enough to be apart of his career in small regards so this song to me is a celebration of what has happend to Macklemore in the last few years. It’s a “Yes we fucking made it” (from his point of view, NOT MINE) kind of song that makes you stretch your arms out and breathe a sigh of relief. Ryan’s production on this one fits perfectly. A lived for art is never a life wasted….


“Paint” had to be one of the easiest songs to love in 2012 because every time that vocal sample dropped a wave of excitement always rushed over you instantly because you knew for that two minutes and forty seconds that it was going to be great. With references to Bob Ross and letting you know to don’t ever waste your life, “Paint”, is a track that will forever resonate as one of 2012′s best.


Diafrix one upped everyone else in 2012 and gave us the best ‘feel good song’ of the year, with “I’m A Dreamer”. When you have one of the best pop crossover producers on the planet providing an immaculate beat like this, it becomes a normal occurrence to play this song over and over. “…I live my life, live my life to the fullEST, I walk around all peaceful like a budIST.”


“Shoulda Known” is a slightly ominous track with minimalistic production and low key demeanour — so seeing this song on our year end list might surprise you, but hear me out. On “Shoulda Known” it was all about Childish Gambino’s delivery. With memorable line after memorable line, Donald was absolutely captivating on this. “Shoulda Known” was a shoe in for this list.

  • goodmad

9. Kendrick Lamar

Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe

The world has not seen a rapper like Kendrick Lamar.....ever? The unique style that Kendrick possesses on the mic is so potent that it would be hard to say that he comes from this planet.  His rhyme patterns are immensely eloquent and his voice never falters when his speed picks up.  Whether Kendrick uses his raspy-aggressive vocals or Devin The Dude-esque cadence, the end result is show stopping and incredible. 2012 has really been Kendrick's year and with the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, there is no doubt that Kendrick will be topping charts with one of the years best albums.
good kid, m.A.A.d city is being seen as the "official" debut album but in actuality it's his sophomore album because last year he dropped his critically acclaimed debut, Section 80, on TDE.  The success of that album allowed Kendrick to reach the ears of Dr. Dre because eventually it led him signing to Interscope & Aftermath earlier this year.  Being under the tutelage of Dr. Dre has given this album a boost in anticipation because Dr. Dre just doesn't co-sign anybody.
Leading up the release of GKMC the TDE camp let loose the lead single "Swimming Pools (Drank)", the slapping Just Blaze produced track "Compton" ft. Dr. Dre & "The Recipe" which also features Dr. Dre.  The release of these singles has had everyone in hip-hop salivating for the release of this album for a good part of 2012. When everyone finally does get into this album it's safe to say that the level of impression is going to be high because there is much more to this album than a few good tracks.
When you dive into the album it's hard not to acknowledge the DJ Dahi produced cut, "Money Trees", as one of the best tracks off the album with its memorable phrases ("ya bish") and the contagious chorus:

"it go halle berry or hallelujah // pick your poison tell me what cha doin' // everybody gonna respect the shooter // but the one in front of the gun lives forever..."
The other album highlights round out with "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst", "good kid" & "m.A.A.d city".  GKMC features production from Tha Bizness, Sounwave, Hit-Boy, Tabu, DJ Dahi, Scoop DeVille, Pharrell, Terrace Martin, T-Minus, Like of Pac Div & Just Blaze.
One thing you will need to keep in mind about this album is accepting that you need to take your time with it.  This is not your disposable-art rap, this is your life soundtrack that lasts on your playlist for months on end. GKMC accentuates moods and enhances life.  Buying this album is a no-brainer so do what any music loving human would do and go buy this album right now. Listen to some highlights below if you need some more convincing.

originally posted in:Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city


“Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” was another huge record in 2012 for Kendrick Lamar and is also arguably one of Kendrick’s most impressive songs on GKMC. The bridge in this song fucking nuts. Its one of those songs that just glues you into the vibe. “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” cements Kendrick as one of the best rappers alive today.


For pop hits in 2012, it’s hard not to argue that RAC’s collaboration with Penguin Prison was one of the years best in that department. With catchy hooks, lucrative melodies & memorable lyrics, this track is the kind of song radio should be playing.


The sky rocketing UK production duo, Disclosure, gave us the best song in 2012 to get HELLA down on the dance floor with. The vocal blast on chorus is body possessing good. Singer Sam Smith has definitely arrived with the vocal performance he dropped on this one. Although this song came out a few months ago, it’s still on steady replay.


“Get Free” was the Summer anthem of 2012 and it was a song that got better with each listen. The amalgamation of beautiful sounds on this one was orgasmic. It makes me wish I had this song when I was younger during the “mushroom phase” — oh my!. Originally when I posted this I said “Get Free is a tantalizing piece of music that may just undress your consciousness and leave you stuck within the music”. I don’t think I can top that description.


With Chiddy Bang’s debut album, it was the title track (“Breakfast) that took home the title for being the best track off the album. The big reason behind that was the mega-ultra-filthy beat from Xaphoon Jones who slayed dragons with this one. Mornings with Lucky Charms will never be the same again. “LETS HAVE BREAKFAST“.

  • Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-The-Heist-Album-Artwork

14. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Thrift Shop ft. Wanz

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have taken us all along for an incredible ride over the last 3 years.  All the momentum of sold out shows, stunning videos & hard work has led up to the release of this debut album.  Once you have become a fan of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis you get the sense that you are apart of their success.  It's this connected vibe that has amassed such a huge following and created such a great story that has been nothing short of remarkable.  By refusing to go the major label route, Mack, Ryan and their manager extraordinaire, Zach,  have taken the independent route to unparalleled success.
The success is destined to continue to grow beyond anyone's expectations with the release of their magnificent debut album, The Heist.  It's an album that layers itself with light humor, fearless truth & raw emotion.  It was never a matter of wondering of The Heist was going to live up to expectations, it was a matter of simply waiting for it to be released and those expectations to manifest.  For the avid fan, you will find the previously released tracks, "Make The Money", "Can't Hold Us" & "Wing$" on the album.  While all these songs might be old to some of us, the thing to keep in mind here is the first time listener who will have this album as their first taste of Mack & Ryan's music.  I mean damn, picture hearing all of this album for the first time....yeeesh.
The Heist still leaves the seasoned listener with new material that will continue to give this album more legs.  This is not your average album where you hear all the best songs before it's release, no sir.  The album starts off with the triumphant, "Ten Thousand Hours", that promenades through your speakers with larger than life synth melodies & percussion.  Mack idles along with author Malcom Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' and relays that into the background story of his rise to where he is today.  This song is home to one of those most profound lines on the album, as he raps:

"A life lived for art is never a life wasted" - Macklemore

Moving along the new material we find "White Walls" featuring TDE rapper ScHoolBoy Q and fellow Seattleite, Hollis on the chorus.  This tracks starts out propitiously with Mack rapping about his love for Cadillac's, but after the intro and when the chorus kicks in, this track becomes an insta-classic.  Mack follows up with wordplay on his verses that is going to destroy the floors of all the venue's he plays in across America.
When I spoke of fearless truth earlier I was speaking about "Starting Over".  This beautiful track features guitar work & vocals from Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses.  The profound thing about this song is how Macklemore admits that he had a relapse with his sobriety after a well documented 3 year span of being sober.  A thing held so closely to his chest is vividly displayed for all of us to dissect   It's very admirable and humanizing to hear Macklemore admit this to his fanbase in a song.  Apparently close friends were not even aware about this until the release of this album.
The other highlights round out with the Buffalo Madonna assisted "Thin Line" and the collaborative return with Evan Roman on "A Wake".  When it's all said and done, The Heist, will go down as an album that will have endless replay value, contain societal impact ("Same Love") and inspire change within the music industry.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have crafted a classic album and more importantly created a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

originally posted in:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist


Was it the video? Was it the thrift store steez? Naw it’s just that guy Macklemore making smash radio hits and taking over music on the whole. No big deal here. Actually “Thrift Shop” was arguably one of the years best singles across all genre’s of music. “This is fucking awesome”


Ghost Beach took over most of the Summer with their soaring single “Been There Before”. When your music is described as tropical grit-pop you know its going to be bad ass and indeed it was. “Been There Before” receives the grit from singer, Josh Ocean, the pop from the 80′s synths and the tropical comes from Eric Mendelsohn’s hair. The fact that this song isn’t on the radio right now just shows you how out of touch these labels and radios are. To me this is a hit song, no question.

  • goodmad

16. Kendrick Lamar

Swimming Pools

The world has not seen a rapper like Kendrick Lamar.....ever? The unique style that Kendrick possesses on the mic is so potent that it would be hard to say that he comes from this planet.  His rhyme patterns are immensely eloquent and his voice never falters when his speed picks up.  Whether Kendrick uses his raspy-aggressive vocals or Devin The Dude-esque cadence, the end result is show stopping and incredible. 2012 has really been Kendrick's year and with the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city, there is no doubt that Kendrick will be topping charts with one of the years best albums.
good kid, m.A.A.d city is being seen as the "official" debut album but in actuality it's his sophomore album because last year he dropped his critically acclaimed debut, Section 80, on TDE.  The success of that album allowed Kendrick to reach the ears of Dr. Dre because eventually it led him signing to Interscope & Aftermath earlier this year.  Being under the tutelage of Dr. Dre has given this album a boost in anticipation because Dr. Dre just doesn't co-sign anybody.
Leading up the release of GKMC the TDE camp let loose the lead single "Swimming Pools (Drank)", the slapping Just Blaze produced track "Compton" ft. Dr. Dre & "The Recipe" which also features Dr. Dre.  The release of these singles has had everyone in hip-hop salivating for the release of this album for a good part of 2012. When everyone finally does get into this album it's safe to say that the level of impression is going to be high because there is much more to this album than a few good tracks.
When you dive into the album it's hard not to acknowledge the DJ Dahi produced cut, "Money Trees", as one of the best tracks off the album with its memorable phrases ("ya bish") and the contagious chorus:

"it go halle berry or hallelujah // pick your poison tell me what cha doin' // everybody gonna respect the shooter // but the one in front of the gun lives forever..."
The other album highlights round out with "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst", "good kid" & "m.A.A.d city".  GKMC features production from Tha Bizness, Sounwave, Hit-Boy, Tabu, DJ Dahi, Scoop DeVille, Pharrell, Terrace Martin, T-Minus, Like of Pac Div & Just Blaze.
One thing you will need to keep in mind about this album is accepting that you need to take your time with it.  This is not your disposable-art rap, this is your life soundtrack that lasts on your playlist for months on end. GKMC accentuates moods and enhances life.  Buying this album is a no-brainer so do what any music loving human would do and go buy this album right now. Listen to some highlights below if you need some more convincing.

originally posted in:Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city


“Swimming Pools” was the lead single for GKMC and instantly set the tone for what was to be a very good debut album that would go on to sell 240k copies in it’s first week. Kendrick displays his immaculate gift for rapping with the 2 verses on this one.

  • Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-The-Heist-Album-Artwork

17. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Starting Over ft. Ben Bridwell (of Band Of Horses)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have taken us all along for an incredible ride over the last 3 years.  All the momentum of sold out shows, stunning videos & hard work has led up to the release of this debut album.  Once you have become a fan of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis you get the sense that you are apart of their success.  It's this connected vibe that has amassed such a huge following and created such a great story that has been nothing short of remarkable.  By refusing to go the major label route, Mack, Ryan and their manager extraordinaire, Zach,  have taken the independent route to unparalleled success.
The success is destined to continue to grow beyond anyone's expectations with the release of their magnificent debut album, The Heist.  It's an album that layers itself with light humor, fearless truth & raw emotion.  It was never a matter of wondering of The Heist was going to live up to expectations, it was a matter of simply waiting for it to be released and those expectations to manifest.  For the avid fan, you will find the previously released tracks, "Make The Money", "Can't Hold Us" & "Wing$" on the album.  While all these songs might be old to some of us, the thing to keep in mind here is the first time listener who will have this album as their first taste of Mack & Ryan's music.  I mean damn, picture hearing all of this album for the first time....yeeesh.
The Heist still leaves the seasoned listener with new material that will continue to give this album more legs.  This is not your average album where you hear all the best songs before it's release, no sir.  The album starts off with the triumphant, "Ten Thousand Hours", that promenades through your speakers with larger than life synth melodies & percussion.  Mack idles along with author Malcom Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' and relays that into the background story of his rise to where he is today.  This song is home to one of those most profound lines on the album, as he raps:

"A life lived for art is never a life wasted" - Macklemore

Moving along the new material we find "White Walls" featuring TDE rapper ScHoolBoy Q and fellow Seattleite, Hollis on the chorus.  This tracks starts out propitiously with Mack rapping about his love for Cadillac's, but after the intro and when the chorus kicks in, this track becomes an insta-classic.  Mack follows up with wordplay on his verses that is going to destroy the floors of all the venue's he plays in across America.
When I spoke of fearless truth earlier I was speaking about "Starting Over".  This beautiful track features guitar work & vocals from Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses.  The profound thing about this song is how Macklemore admits that he had a relapse with his sobriety after a well documented 3 year span of being sober.  A thing held so closely to his chest is vividly displayed for all of us to dissect   It's very admirable and humanizing to hear Macklemore admit this to his fanbase in a song.  Apparently close friends were not even aware about this until the release of this album.
The other highlights round out with the Buffalo Madonna assisted "Thin Line" and the collaborative return with Evan Roman on "A Wake".  When it's all said and done, The Heist, will go down as an album that will have endless replay value, contain societal impact ("Same Love") and inspire change within the music industry.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have crafted a classic album and more importantly created a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

originally posted in:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist


Just when you think Macklemore couldn’t get anymore honest, he goes and writes this one. The crazy thing about “Starting Over” is that not many people around him even knew about his relapse and actually found out from this song. With the driving force of honesty & a beautiful chorus from Ben Bridwell, “Starting Over” is a encapsulating song that evokes heavy emotion.


K’naan’s biggest mark on 2012 was not left by his 4th album, Country, God or the Girl, it was left by “Nothing To Lose” from his More Beautiful Than Silence EP that dropped back in January. With an unforgettable chorus and a timeless verse from Nas, “Nothing To Lose” was one of 2012′s best.

  • Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-The-Heist-Album-Artwork

19. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Thin Line ft. Buffalo Madonna

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have taken us all along for an incredible ride over the last 3 years.  All the momentum of sold out shows, stunning videos & hard work has led up to the release of this debut album.  Once you have become a fan of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis you get the sense that you are apart of their success.  It's this connected vibe that has amassed such a huge following and created such a great story that has been nothing short of remarkable.  By refusing to go the major label route, Mack, Ryan and their manager extraordinaire, Zach,  have taken the independent route to unparalleled success.
The success is destined to continue to grow beyond anyone's expectations with the release of their magnificent debut album, The Heist.  It's an album that layers itself with light humor, fearless truth & raw emotion.  It was never a matter of wondering of The Heist was going to live up to expectations, it was a matter of simply waiting for it to be released and those expectations to manifest.  For the avid fan, you will find the previously released tracks, "Make The Money", "Can't Hold Us" & "Wing$" on the album.  While all these songs might be old to some of us, the thing to keep in mind here is the first time listener who will have this album as their first taste of Mack & Ryan's music.  I mean damn, picture hearing all of this album for the first time....yeeesh.
The Heist still leaves the seasoned listener with new material that will continue to give this album more legs.  This is not your average album where you hear all the best songs before it's release, no sir.  The album starts off with the triumphant, "Ten Thousand Hours", that promenades through your speakers with larger than life synth melodies & percussion.  Mack idles along with author Malcom Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule' and relays that into the background story of his rise to where he is today.  This song is home to one of those most profound lines on the album, as he raps:

"A life lived for art is never a life wasted" - Macklemore

Moving along the new material we find "White Walls" featuring TDE rapper ScHoolBoy Q and fellow Seattleite, Hollis on the chorus.  This tracks starts out propitiously with Mack rapping about his love for Cadillac's, but after the intro and when the chorus kicks in, this track becomes an insta-classic.  Mack follows up with wordplay on his verses that is going to destroy the floors of all the venue's he plays in across America.
When I spoke of fearless truth earlier I was speaking about "Starting Over".  This beautiful track features guitar work & vocals from Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses.  The profound thing about this song is how Macklemore admits that he had a relapse with his sobriety after a well documented 3 year span of being sober.  A thing held so closely to his chest is vividly displayed for all of us to dissect   It's very admirable and humanizing to hear Macklemore admit this to his fanbase in a song.  Apparently close friends were not even aware about this until the release of this album.
The other highlights round out with the Buffalo Madonna assisted "Thin Line" and the collaborative return with Evan Roman on "A Wake".  When it's all said and done, The Heist, will go down as an album that will have endless replay value, contain societal impact ("Same Love") and inspire change within the music industry.   Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have crafted a classic album and more importantly created a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

originally posted in:Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist


“Thin Line” is another great pop sensible record from The Heist. With a sing along chorus and relatable content, Macklemore displays his hit writing abilities once again with another song that could be played on the radio.


2012 was a breakout year for Diafrix and what kicked it all off for them was the debut single, “Running” that set the tone for what was to be their superb sophomore album, Pocket Full Of Dreams.

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